Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."